Everything you need, on the road and in the office: bags for life
Transversal, to take to a meeting as well as to the gym. They are a long-lasting investment, even for men. Especially in utility versions: maxi or weekend.
by Aleks Cvetkovic.
3' min read
3' min read
It is not uncommon to see men compromise the sophistication of a suit with a wrong tie, or eclipse the perfection of a good pair of shoes with poor quality socks. When it comes to bags, the neglect of details is even more evident. For example, it is easy to come across sought-after businessmen with old backpacks made of worn synthetic fabrics. Not to mention the damage that straps cause to blazers, combining sports bags with elegant clothing is the height of sartorial dissonance. Much better to opt for something hand-held, a duffel or tote bag, which give a suitably refined look, while the straps of the suits remain impeccable.
"Buying a handbag is a very personal matter," explains Rupert Shreeve, creative director of Bennett Winch, a brand founded in 2014. "It is the object you put your whole life into when you are out and about: its appearance speaks of you." And size is also important: "The trend is to move towards larger bags, because our days are becoming more and more crowded with objects and commitments." Tote bags or maxi bags - always favoured by the most refined men, such as Steve McQueen - are ideal, especially if you choose versatile models, suitable for the office, the gym and even for weekends away.
The iconic Haut à Courroies by Hermès - the first from the house to be designed to hold a saddle and riding boots - is perhaps the archetypal luxury men's bag that can be carried anywhere. It is a tote bag and, at the same time, a duffle bag and a briefcase, available in colours such as chestnut, green and black, in full-grain calfskin, with a glossy finish. My everyday bag is a utility tote bag in black suede, reinforced with light brown leather straps. I carry it with me everywhere, from meetings to errands: its neutral colour makes it easy to match. It is from the Australian brand Haulier: creative director Jeremy Hershan launched it in 2020 with a selection of canvas utility tote bags, followed by suede models a year later. "At the time, I was using vintage tool bags that I uncovered on my travels, but I couldn't find new products that combined luxury craftsmanship with simplicity," says Hershan. "I wanted to create something durable, that was refined and had quality details."
Investing in a handbag, then, enhances the rest of the look. Among the models to look out for is Loewe's sought-after oversized weekend bag in taupe leather, or one of the Puzzle tote bags, with enlarged proportions, in shiny black and light brown calfskin, or in delicate shades of shadowy earth and hunter green. Pieces like these have a strong character, but remain understated.
Berluti's Toile Marbeuf collection, on the other hand, is certainly more impressive: a duffel and tote bag made of intricately patterned printed canvas and in the brand's emblematic palmellato Venezia leather. These are not proposals for shy personalities, but the warm brown tones go perfectly with classic colours such as navy blue, grey and dove grey. "You can really have fun creating contrasts between extravagant bags and strict looks," continues Hershan.
